Battle of the Atlantic

Changes are introduced in the British naval codes which, for a time, set back the work of B Dienst, the German cryptanalysis service, which has previously been able to glean a considerable quantity of very up-to-date and useful intelligence from the British radio transmissions. The British work on the German Enigma coding machine is not yet giving the marvellous results that will be achieved later.

The German potential for Atlantic operations is strengthened by the entry into maritime service of long-range Condor aircraft from bases near Bordeaux. On the 17th Hitler declares a total blockade of the British Isles in which neutral ships may be sunk on sight. In the month's operations the U-boats sink 56 ships of 267,000 tons out of a total Allied and neutral loss of 397,200 tons. (Allied Ships Lost to U-boats) One minor consolation for the British is the first sinking of a U-boat by a depth charge dropped by a plane (U-51 on August 16). These modified weapons will not come into widespread use until the spring of 1941 until which time the less effective anti-submarine bombs will be used.

Battle of Britain

Day 23

Weather - Fair conditions in most areas and overcast in the Channel, but improving later.

Combat - The morning is quiet and only a few small raids approach convoys with one attack on shipping off Selsey Bill. Not until the afternoon are Squadrons engaged in battle just before 1500hrs, with Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron intercepting Ju-88's off Beachy Head and a reconnaissance aircraft off Hastings. Meanwhile, a successful raid on the Boulton Paul factory at Norwich by He-111's was not intercepted. Leaflets are dropped over southern England giving the text of Hitler's 'Last Appeal to Reason' speech of 19 July. Later at about 1900hrs, Hurricanes of No. 242 Squadron attack He-111's and Ju-88's off the coast at Great Yarmouth.

In fact, during the evening and into the night, more Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed from landing accidents after sorties dropping mines off the Scottish and Northeast coast and the Thames Estuary than from combat with Fighter Command. Bombs are also dropped on East Anglia near Peterborough, Stradishall and Newmarket, on Liverpool, Coventry, Leeds, Middlesborough and near Brighton.

R.A.F. Losses: 3 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 26 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 25 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 5 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British submarine Narwhal is declared lost after failing to return from a patrol southwest of Stavanger. Her loss and that of her 62-member crew are believed to have been the result of a German bombing attack on 23 July.
• U-34 sinks the British submarine Spearfish off Cape Nose Head off Stavanger. 41 of her crew are lost. The 1 survivor is picked up by the German submarine.
• U-59 sinks the Swedish steamer Sigyn (1981t) northwest of Ireland. The entire crew is rescued.

Diplomatic Relations

In Moscow, Foreign Minister Molotov reaffirms Russia's alliance with Germany and denounces both Britain and the US.

Germany, Home Front

The heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen is commissioned.

Germany, Planning

Hitler issues his Directive No 17 on the invasion of Britain. The army plans have now been revised to take some note of naval problems and, on account of these, it is laid down that preparations are to be complete by 15 September for the operation to take place between the 19th and 26th. The order is to be given about 14 days after the main Luftwaffe offensive to gain air supremacy has begun. The Luftwaffe is to 'crush the British air force by every means available'.

In the light of this order it is obvious that Operation SEALION has become subordinate to and dependent on the outcome of the air battle over Britain. The beginning of that attack is fixed for 5 August.

Italy

The anti-Greek propaganda campaign is heightened centering on Athens' pro-British position.

Japan, Politics

Foreign Minister Matsuoka defines Tokyo's policy for 'Greater East Asia': '. . . the mission of Japan is to proclaim and demonstrate the imperial way throughout the world. Viewed from the standpoint of international relations, this amounts to enabling all nations and races to find each its proper place in the world. Accordingly, the immediate aim of our foreign policy at present is to establish a great East Asian chain of common prosperity with the Japan-Manchukuo-China group as one of the links. We shall thus be able to demonstrate the imperial way in the most effective manner and pave the way towards the establishment of world peace.'

Battle of Britain

Day 24

Weather - Fine in most areas but overcast in the East and the Channel with the possibility of rain.

Combat - Another quiet day with small raids plotted over the Channel with occasional attacks on convoys and shipping. One convoy off the east coast of Scotland is attacked by He-111's of KG25 and another of Harwich by Me-110's of EG210. On this day the now famous Polish No. 303 Squadron, is formed at Northolt. Two of its most outstanding pilots are the Flight Commander, a Canadian named John Kent and a Czech pilot, Sgt. Josef Frantisek who achieved the highest score during the Battle of Britain.

Late morning brings a small raid of He-111's over the Thames Estuary and Essex which is attacked by Spitfires of No. 19 Squadron, scrambled from Duxford.

The afternoon and early evening sees small raids along the East coast with very little damage to shipping and although several Squadrons are scrambled on each occasion, no contact is made.

During the night a few raids are plotted crossing East Anglia, Lancashire, South Wales and Scotland with mines being dropped in the Thames Estuary, off Aberdeen and the Northeast coast.

R.A.F. Losses: 4 aircraft damaged or destroyed (through accidents) and 2 pilots killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 19 pilots and aircrew killed or missing.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British anti-submarine trawler Cape Finisterre (590t) is sunk by German bombing off Harwich with the loss of 1 crewman.
• The British steamer City of Brisbane is sunk by German bombing off South Longsand Buoy, Thames Estuary with the loss of 8 of her crew.

Britain, Politics

Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Aircraft Production, is taken into the inner circle of Churchill's War Cabinet. Other members include Chamberlain, Lord Halifax, Attlee and Arthur Greenwood.

Germany, Planning

The Chief of the German Ministry of Economics and Armament is requested to set in motion a program that will increase the army's strength to 180 divisions. This is in preparation for the invasion of Russia.

Hitler orders the 'destruction of the R.A.F. and the British aircraft industry' and states that the necessary air offensive must start on 5 August. The significance of this is that it accords the Luftwaffe an independence of role and action that has not been permitted up to this point. Its 'offensive force', rapidly assembled in France, the Low Countries and Norway, will consist of almost 1,700 aircraft including bombers, fighters, Stuka dive-bombers and fighter-destroyers. Field Marshal Kesselring's Luftflotte 2 will play the major role because its bases are the closest to England; in support will be Field Marshal Sperrle's Luftflotte 3; Gen Stumpff's Luftflotte 5 will operate from Norwegian bases against sites in the English Midlands. At this point the Germans remain unaware that the fighters which will be ranged against them are controlled by ground radar, a crucial asset in the weeks to come.

British Vickers Mark Mk VIB Light Tanks

Battle of Britain

Day 25

Weather - Overcast over the country with occasional bright intervals.

Combat - Raids are predominantly restricted to reconnaissance with a few crossing the coastline near Cardiff and one over Lands End. Anti-aircraft batteries in the West Midlands claim an He-111 while a Blenheim of No. 235 Squadron shoots down a He-115 over the North Sea. Bombs are dropped by a He-111 near Canterbury who escapes without being intercepted.

During the night widespread mine-laying continues around the British coastline with several raids plotted over East Anglia, South Wales, Scotland and the Northwest of England.

R.A.F. Losses: Nil

Luftwaffe Losses: 7 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 12 pilots and aircrew killed or missing.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-25 is destroyed in an explosion of one of her own mines and sinks off Terschelling with the loss of the entire crew of 49.

  U-25

  Class	Type IA
  CO	Kapitänleutnant Heinz Beduhn
  Location	North Sea, N of Terschelling
  Cause	Mine
  Casualties	49
  Survivors	None

• U-A sinks the Yugoslavian steamer Rad off West Africa. The entire crew of 29 is picked up by the British steamer Grodno.

• U-57 sinks the Swedish steamer Atos (2161t) 35 miles north of Malin Head with the loss of 1 crewman. There are 27 survivors.
• The British steamer Wychwood (2794t) sinks on a mine 4 miles northwest of Shipwash Light Vessel. The British patrol sloop Mallard takes off 22 survivors.

Britain, Home Front

A large contingent of Canadian troops, including some US subjects, has arrived in Britain.

Diplomatic Relations

Japan protests the US embargo on aviation fuel.

East Africa

Italy Moves on Somaliland

Battle of Britain

Day 26

Weather - Fine during the morning, fog in the Channel, but cloudy later with bright intervals. Conditions clearing towards the evening.

Combat - The Sunday is quiet with very few raids. Several reconnaissance raids are plotted throughout the Channel in search of convoys, but all turn back when Squadrons are scrambled. On this day,both the Luftwaffe and Fighter Command suffer high losses to training and general accidents.

Blenheims of No. 236 Squadron carry out a reconnaissance mission over Le Havre and engaged Me-109's, by surprise, with some considerable success.

During the night, fog impedes raids over the country with a few reported near Cambridge, the Humber, Derby, the Midlands and the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed (all due to accidents) with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 15 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 11 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 9 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British submarine Sealion sinks the Norwegian steamer Torun (3318t) in Homborsund southwest of Stavanger.
• In attacks on convoy HX-60 U-52 sinks the British steamers King Alred (5272t), Gogovale (4586t) and Geraldine Mary (7244t) 300 miles west-northwest of Bloody Foreland. Later in the evening U-58 sinks the Greek steamer Pindos (4360t). 4 cremen are lost on the King Alfred, 3 on the Gogovale, 3 on the Geraldine Mary and 3 on the Pindos.

SS Geraldine Mary

• U-56 sinks the British steamer Boma (5408t) from convoy OB-193 northwest of Malin Head with the loss of 3 of her crew. 50 survivors are picked up by tne Norwegian steamer Vilja.
• The German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-175 (the trawler Perseus (428t) sinks on a mine north of Ameland.

Axis Planning

Hitler and Mussolini meet in Rome for a review of strategy now that France has been defeated. Mussolini promises to launch a major offensive toward Cairo and the Suez Canal from Libya.

Battle of Britain

Day 27

Weather - Conditions fine and sunny over the country with haze in the Channel.

Combat - The morning and good weather sees several raids building up over Calais and the Channel coastline, although most fail to reach their targets. At about 0830hrs a large raid of Me-109's approaches Dover, which was met by Spitfires of No. 64 and 65 Squadrons, scrambled from Kenley and Hornchurch.

Not until the afternoon does another raid appear to attack a convoy, in the Dover Straits, at around 1500hrs. Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron are scrambled to intercept the Ju-88's and their Me-109 escorts of JG54 with success.

The night is quiet with only a few plotted raids over East Anglia, Pembrokeshire, Northeast coast and Thames Estuary. There are no reports of bombs being dropped.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 12 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 1 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Britain, Policy

Britain detains Japanese businessmen in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Rangoon.

Battle of Britain

Day 28

Weather - Cloudy and overcast in most areas with strong winds.

Combat - Another quiet day, with only a few reconnaissance raids on British shipping being reported. One particular raid, at about 0630hrs, by a Do-17 off Harwich is intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 85 Squadron.

Also during the morning Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron chase a He-111 back out to sea off the Northumberland coastline. Meanwhile a bombing raid is carried out on the R.A.F. station at Llandow in South Wales.

Further raids are plotted during the day along the Channel between Dungeness and Portland, but all are turned back.

During the night a few raids appear with very little incident, apart from mines being dropped around the British coasts.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed (all due to non-combat accidents), 1 pilot killed and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 13 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 9 pilots and; aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Britain, Home Front

The first contingent of Southern Rhodesian airmen arrive to help in the Battle of Britain.

East Africa

Odweina is taken by the Italians.

Battle of Britain

Day 29

Weather - Generally fine with scattered thunderstorms and cloud in the Southeast areas.

Combat - Once again, another quiet day for Fighter Command with a few Squadron scrambles in response to approaching raids. No interceptions are made. Raids are plotted off Cromer, Aberdeen and along the Channel near the Isle of Wight.

Bomber Command, however, goes on the offensive against the Luftwaffe and attacks the JG54 base at Haamstede just as Me-109's are preparing for take-off, destroying 2 and damaging 5 others on the ground.

During the night, mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary, in the Channel, off the East Anglian coast between Cromer and Southwold, off Lands End and Liverpool bay.

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed (all due to accidents) with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 10 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 10 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 4 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Air Operations, North Africa

R.A.F. and Italian fighter biplanes have an engagement of the Western Desert (Libya). 7 Italian and 2 British (Gladiators) are shot down.

Battle of Britain

Day 30

Weather - Occasional rain with bright intervals between showers. Mainly cloudy in the Channel.

Combat - This day (Thursday) brings some of the biggest raids and most bitter battles so far in the conflict. Major raids are launched throughout the day against the 'Peewit' convoy passing through the Channel. As the convoy passes between Brighton and the Isle of Wight during the morning large attacks are carried out against it. The first, of over 60 aircraft, consisting of Ju-87's of Fliegerkorps VIII and Me-109 escorts of JG27 is met by Hurricanes of No. 145 and 601 Squadrons, while Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron were engaging Me-109's off Dover.

Shortly after midday over 100 aircraft consisting of Ju-87's, Me-109's and Me-110's, elements from JG3, JG26, JG51, JG53 and JG54, make another attack. A massive dogfight breaks out involving Hurricanes of No. 145, 238 and 257 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 64 and 609 Squadrons off the Isle of Wight. Although losses to the raiders are high, the Me-109's of JG 27 successfully engage the Hurricanes and Spitfires enough to allow the dive-bombers to attack the convoy and inflict serious damage.

The third raid arrives late in the afternoon at about 1600hrs, with over 150 Luftwaffe aircraft approaching Weymouth. Again the Hurricanes of 145 Squadron scramble from Westhampnett to meet the raiders along with Hurricanes of No. 43 and 213 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron as another bitter dogfight ensues.

R.A.F. fighter pilot James B. Nicholson wins the only Victoria Cross awarded during the Battle of Britain. He attacks a German squadron over the New Forest while his own aircraft was being consumed by flames. The medal was awarded posthumously.

Although No. 145 Squadron, led by Sqn-Ldr John Peel, inflicts heavy losses on the enemy during the day, the cost to them has also been high with the loss of 5 pilots.

During the night mine laying is suspected along the South coast, Bristol Channel, the Thames Estuary, East Anglian coast and the Humber.

R.A.F. Losses: 25 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 18 pilots and; aircrew (Blenheim) killed or missing and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 45 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 29 pilots and; aircrew killed or missing and 17 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• In convoy CW-9 2 British steamers are sunk by German motor torpedo boats. The Holme Force (1216t) is sunk off Newhaven by S-21 and the Fife Coast (367t) about 15 miles west of Beachy Head. 6 are lost on the Holme Force and 5 on the Fife Coast. The British steamer Ouse (1004t) sinks off Newhaven after colliding with the British steamer Rye while trying to avoid a torpedo from one of the German motor torpedo boats. 23 survivors are rescued. In air attacks on the same convoy the British steamers Coquetdale (1597t) and Empire Crusader are sunk 15 miles west of St Catherine's Point. The entire crew of the Coquetdale are rescued. 5 are lost on the Empire Crusader. The Dutch steamer Ajax is also sunk by German bombing in the same area with the loss of 4 crewmen.

Battle of Britain

Day 31

Weather - Cloudy with showers in most areas and occasional bright intervals. Cloudy in the Channel.

Combat - The weather restricts air activity with a small number of raids during the morning, which sees Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron intercept a Ju-88 off Yeovil and Hurricanes of No. 79 Squadron attack He-111's off Sunderland after the docks have been successfully bombed.

Another raid by Ju-88's, during the afternoon near Falmouth is met by Hurricanes of No. 234 and 601 Squadrons while Spitfires of No. 64 Squadron scramble from Kenley to intercept a raid on Dover harbour by Me-109's.

During the night raids are plotted throughout the country along with more mines being dropped around the coastlines.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 8 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 9 pilots and aircrew killed or missing with 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-30 sinks the Swedish steamer Canton (5779t) 70 miles west of Tory Island. 16 of the 32 crew members are lost.

China

Because of pressing manpower needs elsewhere, the British government announces that is abandoning the British presence in Shanghai and Tientsin province. The forces concerned move out later in the month.

Battle of Britain

Day 32

Weather - Scattered thunderstorms with bright intervals. Cloudy in the Channel.

Combat - Again, the weather reduce the number of raids. During early morning a Do-17 successfully evades Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron after dropping bombs on West Malling airfield in Kent.

The Boulton Paul factory, in Norwich, is the target for a raid of Me-110's who manage to escape back out to sea by the time Hurricanes of No. 242 Squadron, led by Douglas Bader, have scrambled from Coltishall.

Bomber command goes on the offensive and bombs the airfields at Cherbourg (France) and Schipol (The Netherlands).

During the night small raids are plotted around the British coasts, probably dropping mines.

R.A.F. Losses: 1 aircraft damaged during landing accident with no casualties.

Luftwaffe Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British armed merchant cruiser Transylvania (16,900 t) is sunk by U-56 north of Ireland. 36 are lost and 300 are rescued.

  British AMC Transylvania

• The Swedish steamer Varia (929t) is sunk by German bombing 60 miles southeast of Fastnet with the loss of 7 of the crew.
• The Danish steamer Kirsten (1196t) is sunk on a mine near the Danish coast.

Britain, Planning

Although there is the threat of a German invasion, the decision is taken to send a large part of the country's total stock of tanks out to the Middle East. Churchill takes much of the credit for this brave decision which, although not his idea, is necessarily carried out on his instructions.

German Raiders

The German armed merchant cruiser Widder sinks the Finnish barque Killoran (1817t) south-southwest of the Azores in the Central Atlantic. The Finnish crew is returned to Abo.

Germany, Home Front

Baldur von Schirach with Hitler Youth

Battle of Britain

Day 33

Weather - Conditions fine during morning but cloudy for most of the day in all areas.

Combat - The Sunday proves to be a day of hard fighting with large raids throughout. The early morning sees several small attacks by Me-109's and Me-110's on the balloon barrage over Dover harbor which leads to engagements with Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron. Shortly after, between 0900hrs and 1000hrs, several Me-109 units make sweeps across Southern England and are intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 32 Squadron over Deal and Spitfires of No. 54 and 64 Squadrons just off the Kent and Sussex coasts.

At around 1030hrs, a large raid of over 160 aircraft consisting of Ju-88's, He-111's, Me-110's and Me-109's approach Portland. Fighter Command responds and scrambles Hurricanes from No. 1, 87, 145, 213, 238 and 601 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 152 and 609 Squadrons to meet the raid over the Channel where a bitter dogfight breaks out with the Me-109's and Me-110's. The Luftwaffe has succeeded in drawing the British fighters into combat with high losses on both sides and allowing the bombers to inflict heavy damage on Portland.

Just before midday a raid of Do-17's and Me-110's, attack a convoy off Harwich which is met by Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 17 and 85 (led by Sqd-Ldr Peter Townsend) Squadrons. Soon after another large raid approaches the Thames Estuary and is intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 111 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 54 and 74 Squadrons.

The weather deteriorates into the afternoon and very little activity occurs apart from the occasional reconnaissance raid.

During the night many raids are plotted around the Northern coasts of England, probably dropping mines.

R.A.F. Losses: 38 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 25 pilots were killed or missing and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 51 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 44 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 19 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-38 sinks the British steamer Llanfair (4966t) west of Ireland with the loss of 3 crewmen. 30 of her crew are picked up by the American steamer California.

Diplomatic Relations

The US government agrees to supply Britian with 4,000 tanks.

British Somaliland Camel Corps

Battle of Britain

Day 34

Weather - Conditions fine throughout the country with misty patches.

Large scale attacks by the Luftwaffe start early at about 0730hrs when Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron are scrambled from Biggin Hill and intercept Me-109's over New Romney. An hour later several sections of Me-110's approach the Kent and Sussex coastline whereby they break up and attack the radar stations at Dover, Rye, Dunkirk and Pevensey with some success as all, apart from Dunkirk, are out of action for nearly six hours. The attacks on the radar stations are carried out by elements from EP210.

Several airfields are attacked during the morning. Lympne is heavily bombed, followed by Ju-88's bombing Hawkinge with severe damage inflicted. Just after 1100hrs raids on shipping in the Thames Estuary has just been executed when Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron arrive. At the same time Hurricanes of No. 151 and 501 Squadrons are engaging Ju-87's and Me-109's off Ramsgate.

As midday approaches a large raid of Ju-88's attack and bomb Portsmouth with great effect and are met on their retreat by Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron. Meanwhile, part of the same raid of Ju-88's attacked Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, and are met by Spitfires of No. 152 and 609 Squadrons. As Me-109's move in on the Spitfires, Hurricanes of No. 615 Squadron intercept them and a large dogfight breaks out.

At around 1230hrs Manston airfield is bombed by a large force of Do-17's from KG2, just as Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron are preparing to take off. Large-scale damage is inflicted on several aircraft and buildings.

Not until later in the afternoon, just after 1700hrs, does further raids materialize when Do-17's and Me-109's attack various locations along the Kent and Sussex coastline. Spitfires of No. 64 Squadron are scrambled along with Hurricanes of No. 32, 56 and 145 Squadrons and several dogfights take place along the coast from Dover to the Isle of Wight.

During the night several raids are plotted, with no reports of bombing apart from suspected mine laying. 5 Hampdens attack the heavily defended Dortmund-Ems Canal with delayed-action bombs. A vital hit is achieved by Flt-Lt Roderick Learoyd, V.C., which stops the passage of invasion craft for 10 days.

R.A.F. Losses: 32 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 11 pilots killed or missing and 8 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 50 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 60 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 16 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

The Harbor in Portsmouth with Exploding High-explosive and Incendiary Bombs

Australia, Home Front

Two Cabinet Ministers, G. A. Street and J. V. Fairbairn, and the COGS, Gen Sir Brudenell White, are killed in an air crash near Canberra.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-60 sinks the Swedish steamer Nils Gorthon (1787t) 25 miles north northeast of Malin Head with the loss of 4 crewmen.

• The Swedish steamer Mongolia (2124t) sinks on a mine about 15 miles outside Kiel Bay.

Italy, Planning

The Italian Foreign Minister, Galeazzo Ciano, instigates a press campaign for an attack on Greece, and calls Gen Sebastiano Visconti Prasca, commander of the Italian troops in Albania, to Rome.

Battle of Britain

Day 35

Weather - Early morning mist with scattered drizzle in places and cloudy in the Channel. Mainly fair for rest of day.

Combat - The day known as Adler Tag (start of German High Command offensive to control the skies in prelude to invasion) starts early, at 0530hrs, with a large raid on the Isle of Sheppey and the airfield at Eastchurch by Do-17's and Me-110's. Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron intercepts the raid and are joined by Hurricanes of No. 111 and 151 Squadrons. At the same time Hurricanes of No. 43 Squadron attack a raid of Me-109's near Shoreham.

Over the next few hours' small raids of Ju-88's and Me-109's approach the coasts at Beachy Head, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Selsey Bill with interceptions made by Hurricanes of No. 152, 238, 257 Squadrons.

Early afternoon and a raid by Me-110's approaches Portland, which is intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron scrambled from Middle Wallop. Later, at about 1600hrs, large raids are plotted approaching the South of England along a wide front consisting of 120 Ju-88's, 80 Ju-87's, 30 Me-110's and around 70 Me-109's attack the Dorset and Hampshire coasts. Over Southampton Hurricanes of No. 43 and 257 Squadrons try to prevent the Ju-88's reaching their targets. At Portland Ju-88's and Me-110's are intercepted by Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 213 and 601 Squadrons. Over Lyme Regis, Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron engage Me-109's while Spitfires of No. 609 Squadron attack the Ju-87's.

A raid at 1630hrs, of Ju-87's and Me-109's, successfully bomb Detling airfield with others dropping on Ramsgate, Ashford, Canterbury and Lympne. Only Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron, from North Weald, manage to intercept the raiders.

At this stage the R.A.F. has something over 600 modern fighters with trained crews, half deployed in southern England. There are adequate numbers of new planes in reserve stocks but trained pilots are in far shorter supply. A limited number can be borrowed from the navy and bomber crew can be employed if absolutely necessary, but these expedients can not make much difference. The Luftwaffe has between 600 and 700 operational Me-109s, just over 1,000 twin-engined bombers and 350 each of Stukas and Me-110s. This preponderance in numbers is somewhat illusory since the number of attacking bombers usually has to be limited to the strength of the available fighter escort for which it will emerge that the Me-109 is the only suitable aircraft. The Me-110s can usually manage to look after themselves by defensive tactics if they do nothing else. The bombers are all weakly armed and the Stukas especially are dreadfully vulnerable without escorts. The Stukas with a maximum speed of 190 mph and a ceiling of 11,000 ft are an easy prey for the Spitfires,which are more maneuverable and very much faster. They can reach a speed of 375 mph and fly above 33,000 ft. The Me-110 fighter-bombers are not particularly maneuverable, and the Dornier, Heinkel and Ju-88 bombers, with a bomb-load of only 1,100 lbs, have a very limited destructive capacity, allied to the risk of being brought down by enemy fighers. Neither side has a very accurate appreciation of the other's strength. This and the inflated claims of casualties inflicted is a less serious error for the R.A.F., since it must merely keep on defending against whatever attacks are made rather than for the Luftwaffe which must judge from its Intelligence appreciations which forces to send and which targets to attack.

Until now the fighting has gone, if anything in the R.A.F.'s favor. They have lost 150 fighters for 228 German planes shot down since 12 July. These figures are not entirely conclusive since the German fighter losses are only about half their total and, if these roughly equal fighter losses continue, then the process of attrition will leave the R.A.F. crippled and the Germans with fighters and bombers to spare. Although the claims of German aircraft shot down are greatly, if honestly, exaggerated (the claims of German propaganda are less honestly meant), this danger is horribly clear to the R.A.F. It is obvious above all that they must, as far as possible, avoid simple fighter-to-fighter battles while inflicting maximum casualties on the bombers and keeping them from bombing with perfect accuracy. The tactics adopted by Air Marshal Hugh Dowding who leads Fighter Command and Air Marshal Keith Park, his principal lieutenant, who commands 11 Figher Group in southeast England, are to send relatively small formations to disrupt and harry the German bomber forces. Air Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory commanding 12 Group in the Midlands and eastern England, with strong prompting from one of his subordinates, Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, advocates that large fighter groups be assembled before attacks are made in order to ensure something closer to parity of numbers. It seems likely that these tactics are mistaken, principally because the forces closer to the coast lack the time to assemble 'big wings' at sufficient altitude. Also with this system it is more difficult to maintain the necessary reserves and to avoid the risk of planes being caught on the ground.

The events of Eagle Day go strongly in favor of the R.A.F. It begins for the Germans amid confusion. At the last minute Göring postpones the morning raids, but 70 unescorted Dorniers bomb Eastchurch airfield. Ju-88s sent to Farnborough fail to find the target. The afternoon raids are more successful, but a Spitfire squadron destroys 9 Stukas over Hants. Ju-88s start fires in the Southampton Docks. During the night the elite German night-bomber group KGr100, equipped with He-111s bomb the Spitfire 'shadow factory' at Castle Bromwich and the Shorts' bomber factory at Belfast. The Germans fly about 1,500 sorties, 1,000 by fighters, and the British about 700 exclusively by fighters. The Germans lose 45 planes, the British only 13 and from these 6 pilots are able to return to their units and new machines. This will be a factor throughout the battle. Instances will occur when R.A.F. pilots shot down in the morning will be flying in combat once more in the afternoon. Since the German losses mostly occur away from home, they have no such benefit. The number of sorties flown by the fighters on each side at this stage shows the strain which will be put on these units. If the Germans are to continue to fly twice as many fighter missions as bomber missions, then they will be compelled to keep almost all their fighters in the front line unless they are willing to reduce the strength of the bomber attacks. If they do not make such reductions, then the comparative shortage of reserve planes will tell against them since pilots otherwise combat-ready will be grounded because of battle-damage to their planes or simply because of fatigue. Since the R.A.F. has only about half of its fighter squadrons in the front line and is miserly in the way it exposes them to losses, it will be better able to rest units and to cover up for its losses. This is a further advantage of Dowding's and Park's tactics. The battle of course continues.

During the night several raids are plotted around the country with bombs dropping on the factory producing Spitfires at Castle Bromwich, the Bristol area, South Wales, Liverpool, Sheffield, Norwich and Eastern Scotland.

R.A.F. Losses: 20 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots killed or missing and 6 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 75 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 82 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 16 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

The Crew of a Ju-88 Prepare for Combat R.A.F. Bristol Blenheim Twin Engined Bombers Spitfire Pilots Scramble on 'Eagle Day'

Wreckage of a Dornier Do-17 Shot Down by R.A.F. Hurricanes Me-109 Shot Down near Shoreham Airport

Battle of Britain

Day 36

Weather - Mainly cloudy with bright intervals.

Combat - Raids are reduced in comparison to previous day, with the first approaching Kent at about 12 noon. Over 80 Ju-87's, escorted by around 30 Me-109's, are met over Dover by Spitfires of No. 65 and 610 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 32 and 615 Squadrons. A large dogfight ensues with the Me-109's of JG26, led by Adolf Galland, succeed in keeping the R.A.F. fighters engaged and allowing the Ju-87's to bomb their targets. While the air-battle is raging over Dover and Folkestone, a small number of Me-110's from EG210 evade interception and severely bomb Manston airfield.

Later in the afternoon and into early evening several more raids are plotted. A fighter sweep over Kent by Me-109's is met by Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron at about 1630hrs. Middle Wallop airfield is bombed by Ju-88's, around 1830hrs, while two Spitfires of No. 609 Squadron successfully scramble through the smoke to intercept the attackers. He-111's bomb railway lines in Southampton inflicting significant damage and further raids reach the Midlands and Chester. At the same time Hurricanes of No. 43 Squadron, scrambling from Tangmere, intercept raiders off Beachy Head.

At about 1815hrs Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron engage Ju-88's and He-111's over the South West. One of these pilots is Flt-Off Robert Stanford-Tuck, a veteran of France and Dunkirk, who successfully shoots down two Ju-88's over the Bristol Channel in five minutes.

During the night, activity is quiet with a few plotted raids off Aberdeen and North Wales.

R.A.F. Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots killed and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 28 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 44 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-59 sinks the British steamer Betty (2339t) 35 miles west of Tory Island with the loss of 30 of her crew. Only 4 crewmen survive.

Diplomatic Relations

The United States and Britain agree on the general lines of a mutual undertaking by which the Americans would give Britain 50 destroyers in exchange for the use by the American fleet of British bases in the western Atlantic.

Gulf of Aden

The evacuation of Berbera, British Somaliland begins. British and Australian warships take 5,700 troops, 1,500 civilians and sick to Aden and bombard the advancing Italian forces who occupy the town on August 19.

Troop Transfer During Berbera Operation

Occupied Luxembourg

Germany suspends the constitution of Luxembourg on the grounds the regent and government have fled the country. German laws are applied to the occupied nation.

Battle of Britain

Day 37

Weather - Early cloud changing to fine warm weather later, throughout all areas, with some cloud in the Channel.

Combat - This day became known to the Luftwaffe as 'Black Thursday' due to heavy losses suffered during some of their raids.

The first raid of the morning sees Ju-88's and; Do-17's approach Portsmouth at about 0700hrs and are met by Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron. Later at around 1130hrs, a large raid of Ju-87's and Me-109's attack and bomb Hawkinge airfield. Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron intercept and are subsequently attacked themselves by the Me-109 escort. During this raid about 10 Me-110's attack Manston airfield inflicting significant damage.

At 1230hrs, a massive raid of up to 100 aircraft (He-111's of KG26 and Me-110's of ZG76) approach the North East coast off Newcastle and Sunderland. Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron engage the raiders first and are followed by Hurricanes of No. 79 Squadron with heavy losses suffered by the Luftwaffe. At the same time further down the coast off Flamborough Head a large raid of Ju-88's is met by Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 73 Squadron as they attack the Bomber Command airfield at Driffield.

Just after 1400hrs a raid of Me-110's and Me-109's attacked and bombed the airfield at Martlesham Heath. Hurricanes of No. 1 and 17 Squadrons scramble to intercept. At about 1430hrs a large raid of 90 Do-17's and 130 Me-109's approach the Kent coast as another 60 Me-109's cross Dover to give the bombers a very tight escort cover. Rochester is heavily bombed along with Hawkinge airfield, Dover, Maidstone, Rye and the radar station at Foreness. Hurricanes of No. 111 and 151 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 64 Sqaudron are scrambled to intercept but are heavily engaged by the Me-109's.

Heinkel He-111

Late afternoon and early evening sees more large raids against Southern England. The first, of about 100 Ju-88's and Me-110's, approach the Hampshire coast and manage to bomb the airfields at Middle Wallop, Worthy Down and Odiham. Interceptions are made by Hurricanes of No. 43, 249 and 601 Squadrons and Spitfires of 609 Squadron. Another raid of Ju-87's, Me-109's and Me-110's attack Portland and a bitter dogfight breaks out with Hurricanes of No. 87 and 213 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron. The last main raid comes at 1830hrs when Do-17's escorted by Me-109's cross the Kent coast and severely bomb the airfields at Croydon and West Malling. Hurricanes of No. 32 and 111 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept as Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron are engaging the enemy over Harwich and off the Kent coast.

During the night only a few small raids are plotted around the country.

Göring makes two important and misguided decisions. He decides that because the R.A.F. has been so reduced in strength it is wasting effort to continue to attack any radar stations. This seems to contradict his other decision that the escorting fighters must fly a considerable portion of their strength very close to the bomber formations because of bomber casualties and poor morale among their crews. This drastically reduces the fighters' effectiveness and increases the number needed to escort each raid. It is strongly resented by the fighter pilots.

R.A.F. Losses: 43 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 11 pilots killed or missing and 12 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 90 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 163 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 9 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Braxton sinks on a mine east of England. All of the crew are rescued.
• U-A sinks the Greek steamer Aspasia northwest of Morocco with the loss of her entire crew of 19.
• U-51 sinks the British tanker Sylvafield (5709t), a straggler from HX-62, 190 miles west northwest of Rockall with the loss of 3 of her crew. 36 survivors are picked up by the British minesweeping trawler Newland.

Air Operations, Europe

The R.A.F. sends attacks against the Fiat works in Turin and the Caproni works in Milan.

Battle of Britain

Day 38

Weather - Warm and fair with haze over the Channel.

Combat - As early mist clears a raid approaches Kent at about 1030hrs and a number of Do-17's break through, without interception, and bomb the airfield at West Malling. There is no more reported raids until early afternoon when at about 1230hrs, Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron intercept nearly 30 Do-17's, with Me-109 escorts, over the Thames Estuary.

Shortly after, a larger raid of up to 150 Do-17's and Me-109's approached Dover and split into several sections. Spitfires of No. 64, 65 and 266 Squadrons are scrambled along with Hurricanes of No. 32 and 111 Squadrons to intercept the raiders. The Spitfires of No. 266 Squadron, from Hornchurch, suffer heavy losses during a bitter battle with the Me-109's of JG26.

During this, another large raid of Ju-87's, Ju-88's, Me-110's and Me-109's is plotted between Dungeness and the Isle of Wight. Just after 1300hrs, Ju87's bombd and severely damage Tangmere airfield as Hurricanes of No. 1, 43 and 601 Squadrons arrive along with Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron, which engage the Me-109's. Meanwhile, the remaining Ju-87's bomb Ventnor radar station and are intercepted by Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron as the Me-109 escort engage the battle.

Naval ships are bombed at Lee-on-Solent before Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron intercept. Also a large raid, of Ju-88's and Me-110's, is made on the Naval airfield at Gosport before 3 Hurricanes of No. 249 Squadron attack. It is this engagement that Flt. Lt. James Nicolson earns the first, and only, Victoria Cross for Fighter Command. Nicolson along with Sqn. Ldr. Eric King and Plt. Off. Martyn King, dive onto the Me-110's as Me-109's attackeall 3 Hurricanes. Sqn. Ldr. King makes it back to Boscombe Down, Plt. Off. King bales out with severe burns and plunges to his death while Flt. Lt. Nicolson, badly wounded and still in his burning aircraft, attacks an Me-110 before baling out and into hospital for a few months.

At about 1700hrs several more raids cross the coasts and the airfields of Manston and Brize Norton are attacked without interception. Two other raids are intercepted; one by Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 32, 56 and 501 Squadrons as Ju-88's approach Biggin Hill, and the other by Spitfires of No. 64 Squadron along with Hurricanes of No. 1 and 615 quadrons as He-111's and Me-110's cross the Sussex coast.

During the night raids are made on Martlesham Heath, Harwich, Bury St. Edmunds, Oxford, Shrewsbury and Derby.

R.A.F. Losses: 40 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 8 pilots killed or missing and 10 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 61 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 74 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 14 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The first successful attack on a German submarine by British Coastal Command aircraft occurs when U-51 is seriously damaged in an air attack 170 miles northwest of Tory Island.
• The British steamer Meath (1598t) sinks on a mine northeast of Breakwater Rock Light House. The entire crew is rescued.
• U-30 sinks the British steamer Clan MacPhee (6628t) 350 miles west of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, with the loss of 67 of her crew. 41 survivors are picked up by the Hungarian steamer Kelet.
• U-48 sinks the Swedish steamer Hedrun (2325t) 70 miles west of Rockall with the loss of 8 of her crew. 21 survivors are rescued.
• U-100 sinks the British steamer Empire Merchant (4864t) 186 miles west of Bloody Foreland with the loss of 7 crewmen. 49 survivors are rescued.
• The British steamer City of Birmingham sinks on a mine about 5 miles from Spurn Point. The entire crew is rescued.

Air Operations, Europe

The R.A.F. sends a raid against the armament works at Leuna. Although at this stage of the war the R.A.F. intends to hit only military targets, it cannot achieve the necessary accuracy in night bombing.

Battle of Britain

Day 39

Weather - Fine in most areas and the Channel with haze and some cloud in the east.

Combat - A very quiet Saturday with only a few raids being plotted throughout the day that are mainly reconnaissance. While Fighter Command keeps regular patrols without enemy contact, a Royal Navy vessel successfully shoots down one raider in the Channel.

During the night several raids are plotted around the country of which many made inland targets.

R.A.F. Losses: 2 aircraft damaged or destroyed (accidents) with 1 pilot wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 2 aircraft damaged or destroyed with no casualties.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Germany, Policy

• Hitler announces a 'total blockade' of the British Isles. This is in reply to the 'British hunger blockade against German women and children'. All ships, Allied or neutral, in British waters are to be sunk on sight.
• The German Foreign Minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, brusquely switches off the anti-Greek campaign launched three days earlier by the Italian Foreign Minister, Galeazzo Ciano. Hitler does not want any military involvement in the Balkans, at least for the moment.

Battle of Britain

Day 40

Weather - Starting fine with cloud due for rest of the day.

Combat - Known as the 'Hardest Day' due to bitter fighting when both sides suffer heavy losses, especially the Ju-87, Stuka, crews.

During the morning many reconnaissance flights were made by the Luftwaffe and one such raid, by an Me-110, is intercepted over the Thames Estuary by Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron scrambled from Hornchurch.

Just after midday a massive raid of over 300 aircraft approach the Kent coast and split off to their targets. Biggin Hill airfield is bombed by Do-17's and Ju-88's as Hurricanes of No. 32 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron engage the raiders. At the same time Kenley airfield is under attack and suffers severe damage before Hurricanes of No. 111 and 615 Squadrons can intercept. The airfields at Croydon and West Malling are also bombed. The Spitfires of No. 64 and 65 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 56 and 605 Squadrons are all by now engaging enemy aircraft with many dogfights spreading all over Kent and Sussex.

Remains of a Dornier Do-17z

Wreckage of a Hurricane

At about 1400hrs a large raid approaches, between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, of Ju-87's and Ju-88's. As the Ju-88's bomb the airfield without interception, at Gosport, the Ju-87's attack the radar station at Poling and airfields at Ford and Thorney Island. The Ju-87's are not so fortunate, as Hurricanes of No. 43 and 601 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 152 and 602 Squadrons attacked the bombers during their dives while the Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron engaged the Me-109 escorts.

Junkers Ju-87

As the afternoon progresses, a small raid of low flying Me-109's attack Manston airfield at about 1530hrs. Later at 1700hrs larger raids of Do-17's, He-111's, Me-110's and Me-109's, are plotted approaching the Kent coast. Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron, scramble from Hornchurch, are engaging Me-110's over the Thames Estuary while Hurricanes of No. 32, 46, 56, 151, 257 and 501 Squadrons all make interceptions as the bombers spread across Kent, randomly dropping their bombs.

The last combat of the day involves Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron intercepting Me-110's off Eastchurch at about 1930hrs.

During the night several raids are plotted around the country with bombs dropped along the Thames Estuary.

Battle of Britain

Day 41

Weather - Mainly cloudy with occasional showers in the East.

Combat - Unlike the previous day, activity is greatly reduced with a few reconnaissance raids along the South coast during the morning. The day becomes significant to the Battle of Britain as Luftwaffe High Command changes tactics insisting the Me-109's stay even closer to the bomber formations, due to recent heavy losses. This proves to be a severe error of judgement.

One raid, just after 1400hrs, of Ju-88's attack the airfield at Bibury in the South West and destroy four Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron on the ground. Meanwhile, Spitfires of No. 92 and 602 Squadrons meet another raid by Ju-88's over the Solent areas while later at around 1830hrs Spitfires of No. 19 and 66 Squadrons engage He-111's and Do-17's off the Essex coast.

Two Ju-87 Stukas

During the night mines are dropped along the coastlines of Eastern England and several raids were reported in the Midlands, East Anglia, Portsmouth, Bristol, South Wales, Liverpool, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow areas. The Admiralty oil depot at Pembroke Docks in Wales is heavily bombed and badly damaged.

The R.A.F. raid Kiel, the Zschornewitz power stations near Leipzig and 30 airfields.

R.A.F. Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots and aircrew (Blenheim) killed or missing and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 13 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 22 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 7 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-A sinks the Hungarian steamer Kelet (4295t) southwest of Ireland. Earlier the ship had picked up 41 survivors from the Clan MacPhee, which had been sunk by U-30 on 16 August, 6 of them are lost. The 33 crew members and the remaining 35 survivors are picked up by the Norwegian steamert Varegg and landed at Galway on 26 August.
• U-48 sinks the Belgian steamer Ville de Gand (7590t) 200 miles west of Ireland with the loss of 15 of her crew. 38 survivors are rescued.
• U-101 sinks the British steamer Ampleforth (4576t) west of the Hebrides with the loss of 9 crewmen. 29 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Warwick.

Air Operations, Mediterranean

Italian bombers raid Gibraltar.

Battle of Britain

Day 42

Weather - Cloudy and overcast with rain spreading from the North. Channel mainly fine.

Combat - Activity is reduced due to deteriorating weather conditions with several reonnaissance raids made during the morning. At about 1100hrs Spitfires of No. 66 Squadron intercept Me-110's as they attack the airfield at Martlesham Heath.

The first large raid, of Do-17's and Me-109's, arrived at 1430hrs over the Thames Estuary. The bombers are engaged by Hurricanes of No. 615 Squadron as they approach their target at Eastchurch airfield while Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron fight off the Me-109 escorts.

Later in the afternoon Hurricanes of No. 302 Squadron (Polish) attack a Ju-88 off the Yorkshire coast while a Do-17 was shot down off Suffolk by Hurricanes of No. 257 Squadron. A strafing attack is made on Manston airfield by Me-109's but are driven back by the local ground defenses and Blenheims of No. 600 Squadron.

During the night very few raids are plotted around the country due to heavy cloud and poor visibility.

R.A.F. Losses: 3 aircraft damaged or destroyed and 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 17 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-51 is sunk, while returning to port from her fourth war patrol, in the Bay of Biscay by the British submarine Cachalot on the 20th. All 43 of the crew on the German submarine are lost.

  U-51

  Class	Type VIIB
  CO	Kapitänleutnant Dietrich Knorr
  Location	Bay of Biscay
  Cause	Submarine attack
  Casualties	43
  Survivors	None

• U-A sinks the Panamanian steamer Tuira (4937t) 280 miles southwest of Rockall with the loss of 2 crewmen. 30 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Bedouin and the corvette Periwinkle.

Britain, Home Front

Churchill produces another of his famous fighting speeches. His message is a tribute to the R.A.F. fighter pilots, 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.' Of more concrete importance to the course of the war is an official announcement that bases will be leased to the United States.

Churchill's 'The Few' Speech

Battle of Britain

Day 43

Weather - Cloudy over all areas with occasional rain.

Combat - The Luftwaffe make many scattered raids over a wide area during the day, of which most consist low numbers of aircraft.

Early afternoon arrives as a raid of Do-17's cross East Anglia. They are intercepted by Spitfires of No. 611 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 242 Squadron over Norfolk. Meanwhile, in Cornwall, a raid of Ju-88's is bombing the airfield at St. Eval, destroying 6 Blenheims of No. 236 Squadron, as Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron scramble in pursuit.

At about 1330hrs, Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron engage more Ju-88's off the Cornish coast. A similar raid, of Ju-88's, is intercepted off the Sussex coast and the Isle of Wight by Hurricanes of No. 17 Squadron.

Between 1730hrs and 1830hrs two raids are made against the coastline. The first, by Ju-88's, is intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron off Cornwall while the second, saw Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron attack Do-17's near Ipswich.

During the night activity is low with only a few small raids plotted.

R.A.F. Losses: 13 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 18 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 43 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

German Raiders

The German armed merchant cruiser Widder sinks the British steamer Anglo Saxon (5594t) in the Central Atlantic. There are only 2 survivors and they land at Eleuthera Island after drifting 2500 miles in 71 days.

Air Operations, Europe

British bombers raid industrial targets in Cologne and Frankfurt.

Battle of Britain

Day 44

Weather - Cloudy with rain throughout the day.

Combat - The weather again restricts air activity until early afternoon when Me-109's sweep in over Kent. Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron manage to intercept. Later at about 1630hrs Ju-88's approach the Isle of Wight and are met by Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron and Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron.

As evening approaches, the Luftwaffe launches small raids. A raid of Me-110's and Me-109's is scrambled to attack Manston airfield with considerable success. Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron scramble from Manston and Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron, scrambling from Kenley, meet the raiders over Dover on their return journey. Meanwhile, off the Yorkshire coast, the Polish pilots and Hurricanes of No. 302 Squadron are engaging a small raid of Ju-88's.

During the night many small raids are plotted over most areas with more attacks against Manston airfield.

R.A.F. Losses: 7 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots were killed and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 13 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Thorold (1689t) is sunk by German bombing about 2 miles south of Smalls. 11 of the crew are lost.

Diplomatic Relations

Britain pledges military support for Greece if the Axis powers attack.

Battle of Britain

Day 45

Weather - Occasional rain with bright intervals. Cloudy in the Channel and Thames Estuary.

Combat - At about 0830hrs, Hurricanes of No. 257 Squadron are scrambled to intercept a raid of Do-17's over the Thames Estuary. Just after at 0930hrs Spitfires of No. 232 Squadron attack and shoot down a He-111 flying off the North East coast.

During the afternoon small bombing raids, by He-111's and Do-17's, are made on Tangmere airfield, Portsmouth, Cromer, Harwich, Colchester, Maidstone, Cardiff and Pembroke docks. At about 1800hrs a raid by Ju-88's is made on the airfield at Thorney Island and is intercepted by Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron, scrambling from Westhampnett.

During the night several large raids are reported on Cardiff, Bristol, Middlesborough, Harrogate, East Anglia and Birmingham. Mines are also dropped around Lands End, Bristol Channel and Portsmouth area.

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed with no casualties.

Luftwaffe Losses: 12 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 19 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 4 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 46

Weather - Mainly fine in the South and Channel but overcast and cloudy in the North.

Combat - Just before 0900hrs a large raid of over 40 Ju-88's and Do-17's, escorted by over 60 Me-109's, head for Dover. Many Squadrons are scrambled to intercept but only the Hurricanes of No. 85 and 501 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron manage to engage the raiders. Later that morning, further raids attack Dover and the airfield at Manston as Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron along with Spitfires of No. 54 and 610 Squadrons make interceptions.

The early afternoon produces more raids and at about 1315hrs an attack is made, by Ju-88's and He-111's, on Hornchurch airfield. Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron, scrambling from Gravesend and Defiants of No. 264 Squadron, scrambling from Manston, intercept the raid as it heads back across Kent.

Between 1500hrs and 1630hrs He-111's, Do-17's and Me-110's, make a large raid against the airfield at North Weald. Hurricanes of No. 56, 111, 151, 501 and 615 Squadrons engage the bombers while Spitfires of No. 19 Squadron scrambling from Duxford and those of No. 610 Squadron scrambling from Biggin Hill, give chase to the Me-110's and Me-109 escorts resulting in many large dogfights over Essex, the Thames Estuary and into Kent. Later during the raid, Hurricanes of No. 32 Squadron are scrambled from Hawkinge to engage Me-109's south of London.

At around 1630hrs to 1700hrs, 50 Ju-88's and 50 Me-110's, appear over the Isle of Wight and head for Portsmouth. Spitfires of No. 234 and 609 Squadrons are scrambled from Middle Wallop and join Hurricanes of No. 249 Squadron to intercept the enemy, but not before extensive damage has been done to the Naval docks at Portsmouth by the bombers.

One more raid is plotted approaching Dungeness and Dover at about 1830 hrs but return to France after several R.A.F. fighter Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

During the night many bombing raids are reported around the country across Southern England, South Wales, the Midlands, Liverpool, Middlesborough, Sheffield, Hull and East Anglia. One particular raid is to change the course of tactics for the rest of the Battle of Britain. Against Luftwaffe High Command orders, bombs are accidentally dropped on areas of London.

The Night Hitler Lost the War

R.A.F. Losses: 32 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 10 pilots killed or missing and 10 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 48 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 47 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 5 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 47

Weather - Early morning fine but turning cloudy for the remainder of day.

Combat - Although the weather is favourable in Southern England, the Luftwaffe waits until late afternoon before launching any raids. At 1600hrs a large formation of over 300 aircraft approach Weymouth Bay and the Dorset coast. The Ju-88's, Me-110's and Me-109's make attacks on Portland, Weymouth and the airfield at Warmwell. The attack on Portland and Weymouth is intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 87 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 609 Squadron while Hurricanes of No. 17 Squadron engage the Ju-88's as they approach Warmwell. As dogfights spread across Dorset, Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron, scrambling from Exeter and Spitfires of No. 152 and 602 Squadrons, from Warmwell and Westhampnett, join the battle.

Later, at around 1830hrs, another large raid of over 100 aircraft approach Dover. The Do-17's and Me-109's are met by Hurricanes of No. 32 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron, both scrambling from Biggin Hill. As dogfights break out, Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron, scrambling from Hornchurch and Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron, scrambling from Kenley, engage the raiders over southern Kent and the Channel.

During the night R.A.F. Bomber Command launches a raid against Berlin in retaliation to the previous nights' bombing of London. Over Britain, a few raids are plotted around the country with very few reported attacks. Mines are dropped off the Isle of Wight and Scottish coasts.

R.A.F. Losses: 20 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 10 pilots killed or missing and 4 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 33 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 25 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 10 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Atlantic

He-115s and Ju-88s sink 1 large cargo ship and damage a second off Fraserburgh, Scotland.

Battle of Britain

Day 48

Weather - Cloudy in most areas but dry. Brighter weather in the South.

Combat - During the early part of the morning Ju-88 and Do-17 aircraft fly reconnaissance missions over South East areas, mainly over Group 11 airfields. It is at 1130hrs that the first large raid, consisting of He-111's, Do-17's, Me-110's and Me-109's, approach the coast at Dover and East Kent. Bombs are dropped on Folkstone and Dungeness before Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron arrived over the area where they are engaged by a large number of Me-109's. The Spitfires suffer high losses during the dogfight. The Defiants of No. 264 Squadron also suffer, at the hands of the Me-109's, as they engage Do-17's over Herne Bay. During this battle, Hurricanes of No. 1 and 56 Squadrons attack the bombers near Hornchurch while Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron engaged Me-109's over Folkestone.

Just after 1500hrs, another large raid, of Do-17's, Me-110's and; Me-109's, approach the Thames Estuary. Debden airfield is the main target and is heavily bombed as Hurricanes of No. 111, 310 (Czech pilots) and 615 Squadrons engage the raiders along with Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron. The remaining bombers split up and drop their bombs over Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford and coastal areas during their return journey.

At around the same time, another raid of He-111's, Me-110's and Me-109's approach the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth area. Interception is made by Hurricanes of No. 43 Squadron scrambling from Tangmere, Hurricanes of No. 615 Squadron scrambling from Kenley, Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron scrambling from Middle Wallop and Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron scrambling from Westhampnett. Large dogfights ensue over the area preventing the bombers reaching their targets of Southampton and Portsmouth dockyards.

During the night, bombing raids are reported around the country at Birmingham, Coventry, Bristol, Devon, South Wales, Bournemouth and the North East areas. Mines are also dropped around the coastline at Plymouth, East Anglia, North Scotland and North East coast.

R.A.F. Losses: 34 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 7 pilots and; aircrew (Defiants) killed or missing and 13 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 51 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 81 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 14 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 49

Weather - Cloudy and overcast in most areas with occasional rain. Clearing later in the South.

Combat - Weather conditions restrict air activity for most of the day. Several reconnaissance raids are made during the morning along the south coast areas and Fighter Command intercepts a few without loss.

Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron are scrambled from Warmwell and engage an He-111 off Portland. A Ju-88 subsequently shoots one of the Spitfires down.

Meanwhile Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron intercept a Do-17 off Cornwall and Spitfires of No. 222 Squadron make contact with another Do-17 on reconnaissance.

During the night, many raids are reported around the country in East Anglia, the Midlands, Kent, Surrey, Portsmouth, South Wales, North East, Derby, Lancashire, Leeds and Nottingham. Mines are also dropped between the Tees and The Wash.

R.A.F. Losses: 4 aircraft damaged or destroyed and 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 18 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 16 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 8 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

London Bombed

Battle of the Atlantic

• R.A.F. Coastal Command sets up a base in Iceland to help protect Atlantic shipping.
• U-28 sinks the Norwegian steamer Eva (1599t) about 60 miles east of Rockall with the loss of 1 crewman. The 17 survivors make landfall at Boligarry, Isle of Barra on 30 August.
• U-46 sinks the British armed merchant cruiser Dunvegan Castle 120 miles southwest of Cape Clear with the loss of 27 of her crew. 250 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Harvester and the corvette Primrose.
• U-37 sinks the Greek steamer Theodoros T (3409t) southwest of Ireland. The entire crew is rescued by the British destroyer Eclipse.

Scrap Heap of German Planes

Battle of Britain

Day 50

Weather - Generally fine over most of the country with some cloud in the Channel.

Combat - At 0830hrs a large raid of Do-17's, He-111's and Me-109's, approach the Kent coast near Deal. The Dorniers head for the airfield at Eastchurch while the Heinkels make for Rochford. Hurricanes of No. 79, 501 and 615 Squadrons, Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron and Defiants of No. 264 Squadron are scrambled and successfully intercept the raiders, but could not prevent either of the targets from being bombed. The Defiants of No. 264 Squadron suffer badly again, losing 7 aircraft and are withdrawn from any more daylight combat during the Battle of Britain.

Just after 1230hrs another raid is made on the airfields of Eastchurch and Rochford which is met by Hurricanes of No. 1 and 56 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron. As this battle subsides, another raid by Me-109's and Me-110's streak across Kent at about 1600hrs. The Hurricanes of No. 85 Squadron, led by Sqn. Ldr. Townsend, attack the Me-109's before Spitfires of No. 54 and 610 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 56 and 151 Squadrons (both from North Weald) join the 'dogfighting'.

Wreck of Messerschmitt Me-109E

It was at about 1700hrs when the Spitfires of No. 603 Squadron are scrambled from Hornchurch to intercept an incoming raid. They engage a number of Me-109's over Dover in bitter fighting and suffer the loss of four aircraft and three pilots.

During the night bombing raids are made on Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry, Manchester and South Yorkshire areas. Mines are also dropped off Sealand, in the Bristol Channel, Thames Estuary and off East Anglia.

R.A.F. Losses: 22 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 9 pilots and aircrew (Defiants) killed or missing and 8 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 44 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 53 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 19 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

A shot up Ju-88 A-1

Air Operations, Mediterranean

Italian bombers attack Malta.

Battle of Britain

Day 51

Weather - Unsettled with occasional showers and bright intervals. Cloudy over most of the Channel.

Combat - The morning is relatively quiet of air activity with mainly reconnaissance raids appearing over southern England. It is not until mid-afternoon, at about 1500hrs, that a large raid is reported approaching the Sussex coast near Beachy Head. The raid consists of a small number of He-111's and Do-17's with a massive fighter escort of about 500 Me109's, from JG 3, 26, 51, 52 and 54 and 150 Me-110's from ZG 26 and 76. The aim of this is to engage Fighter Command in larger numbers and inflict decisive losses. This tactic fails as only the Hurricanes of No. 85 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron briefly engage the raiders before breaking away.

The Luftwaffe again tries to encourage more R.A.F. fighters into the skies with several small raids across southern England at about 1830hrs. The Me-109's are intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 85, 151 and 501 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 603 Squadron.

During the night bombing raids increase across the country with the main areas targeted being; South Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, Manchester, Liverpool, the Tees and Tyne area. Mines are also dropped off Plymouth and Portsmouth.

R.A.F. Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots killed and 3 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 32 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 44 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 52

Weather - Generally fine in all areas.

Combat - A spell of fine weather enables the Luftwaffe to launch an increase in large-scale attacks, therefore the day starts early at 0700hrs for Fighter Command as Hurricanes of No. 111 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron engage Do-17's and Me-110's over the Thames Estuary.

From 1030hrs to just after midday, three successive waves of bombers and fighter escorts make raids against targets in the South East of England. The first is a sweep across Kent by about 60 Me-109's just before He-111's, Do-17's and Me-110's approach the Kent coastline. Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron intercept the He-111's and Me-110's as the Hurricanes of No. 85 Squadron make a head-on attack to split up the formation.

As more raids cross the coast at about 1130hrs, the previous battles are still raging over Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Ju-88's attack the airfield at Biggin Hill while another raid heads for Kenley. By now, Hurricanes of No. 43, 85, 151 and 253 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 222 and 616 Squadrons are heavily engaged in dogfights covering the Southeast.

During this period of combat, one pilot stands out for his courageous actions. Sqn-Ldr Tom Gleave, flying a Hurricane of No. 253 Squadron, scrambles from Kenley with two other pilots, Flt-Lt George Brown and Plt-Off Douglas Francis. As they gain height above Maidstone, he catches sight of a massive formation of Me-109's. The Hurricanes dive and attack directly at the Me-109's without loss to themselves. It is during the resulting dogfights, that Sqn-Ldr Gleave successfully shoots down 5 Me-109's.

Barrage Balloons Shot Down

The next raid approaches just after 1300hrs and continues in sequential waves for several hours. Due to the radar stations at Dover, Pevensey, Beachy Head, Foreness, Rye, Whitstable and Fairlight being out of action, insufficient fighters are scrambled to deal with these raids. However, Hurricanes of No. 151 and 242 Squadrons manage to engage the He-111's and Me-110's while the Spitfires of No. 222 Squadron intercept the Me-109's.

Just after 1600hrs a massive raid crosses the Kent coast, splits up and heads for their targets. Yet again, Biggin Hill is seriously bombed by Ju-88's and suffers heavy casualties. Hurricanes of No. 79 Squadron manage to scramble and intercept the raiders after their bombing run. A raid, by He-111's and Me-110's, is successfully made on Luton despite the efforts from the Hurricanes of No. 56 and 242 Squadrons. Over the next 2 hours, many targets are approached at Radlett, Kenley, North Weald, Detling, Lympne, Oxford and Slough. By 1830hrs, furious battles have been fought over most of southern England by Hurricanes of No. 1, 43, 56, 151, 242, 253, 501 and 601 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 66, 222, 610 and 616 Squadrons.

He-111 Returns From Sortie

During the night, bombing raids are made against the Midlands, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford, Leeds, Bristol and Cardiff.

R.A.F. Losses: 25 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 13 pilots killed or missing and 5 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 49 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 73 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 13 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Air Operations, Europe

British reconnaissance reports an enormous assembly of German landing craft in ports and estuaries on the other side of the Channel.

Atlantic

• The ships composing 'Force M' sail from Scapa Flow, Britain's principal naval base. The squadron is to support a landing at Dakar, French West Africa by Gen de Gaulle and 2,700 Free French, with the object of finding new adherents to his movement and especially to detach the French colonies in equatorial Africa, and possibly also those in North Africa, from Vichy France. The plan, submitted to the British government by Gen de Gaulle at the beginning of August, was enthusiastically supported by Churchill. De Gaulle had managed to convince Churchill that a surprise landing at Dakar would probably meet with little resistance. 'Force M' consists of the battleships Barham and Resolution, the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, 5 cruisers, at least 16 destroyers and 2 corvettes, plus 3 corvettes of the Free French navy.
• During the night a British destroyer flotilla leaves Immingham on a mine-laying operation in the vicinity of Vlieland off the Dutch coast but runs into a German minefield near the Texel. The Esk and the Ivanhoe are lost and the Express is seriously damaged.

Battle of Britain

Day 53

Weather - Mainly fair with hazy cloud over the Thames Estuary and Channel.

Combat - At 0800hrs, several raids are reported approaching Dover and the Thames Estuary. Hurricanes of No. 1 and 501 Squadrons are scrambled to Dover to be met by a large group of Me-109's. The remaining raids of Do-17's and Me-110's headefor North Weald, Duxford and Debden airfields. After 0900hrs, the airfields at Eastchurch and Detling are also attacked and bombed. During these raids, Hurricanes of No. 56, 111, 151, 257 and 601 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 19 Squadron are all scrambled to make interceptions.

Me-109's make small sweeps across Kent during late morning until a large raid approaches the Kent coast at about 1200hrs. Do-17's attack and bomb the airfield at Croydon as Hurricanes of No. 85 Squadron scramble to intercept. The He-111's along with the remaining Do-17's of this raid bomb the airfields at Biggin Hill and Hornchurch causing severe damage. They are subsequently engaged by Hurricanes of No. 151, 253, 310 (Czech) and 601 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 54 and 222 Squadrons. Shortly after this raid disperses, small raids are made on radar stations and small dogfights ensue with the Spitfires of No. 17 Squadron, scrambled from Tangmere.

Later in the afternoon at 1730hrs more raids are made against Biggin Hill and Hornchurch airfields by Ju-88's, Me-110's and Me-109's with more damage being inflicted. Interceptions are made by Hurricanes of No. 1 (Canadian), 17, 85, 87 and 151 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 54, 72, 222 and 602 Squadrons over a period of nearly two hours.

Göring is now in measurable distance of achieving his objective of superiority over southeast England. The R.A.F. airfields at Biggin Hill, Manston, West Malling, Lympne and Hawkinge are more or less out of the fight. There are only two R.A.F. sector stations in commission south of the Thames and three more airfields which might be used for that role. There is no reason why these might not be similarly damaged, three having been already hit. This is the R.A.F.'s most difficult period of the battle.

During the night more bombing raids are made on Liverpool, Leeds area and the Midlands with mines being dropped in the Thames Estuary, the Humber, off East Anglia and the Northumberland coastline.

R.A.F. Losses: 40 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 8 pilots killed or missing and 17 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 60 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 58 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 10 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.